HC Deb 26 March 2002 vol 382 cc830-1W
Mr. Evans

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what plans the Government have to remove the 20 day restriction on the movement of cattle. [45445]

Mr. Morley

The interim rules for livestock movements, which we announced on 5 February, allow greater flexibility for farmers to move their animals. The 20 day standstill rule has been waived for some types of movement, subject to conditions and we will continue to keep these arrangements under review. However, veterinary advice is that the 20 day standstill needs to remain in place for the time being as a disease control measure. A copy of a document explaining the Veterinary basis for the Interim movement rules has been placed in the Library of the House and is available on the DEFRA website.

Malcolm Bruce

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what plans she has to review the import regulations pertaining to livestock; and if she will make a statement. [45839]

Mr. Morley

[holding answer 25 March 2002]: Movements of farmed livestock within the European Community are subject to harmonised animal health rules which are implemented into national legislation. These rules set down the animal health conditions that must be met before such animals can be certified for export and they provide for checks to be made on the animals at their premises of destination. The Commission's Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health keeps the rules under constant review and introduces safeguard measures as necessary to address animal health problems across the Community. Imports into Great Britain of animals susceptible to foot and mouth disease resumed in November 2001 and since then we have been carrying out 100 per cent. post import checks on all such consignments.

Imports of livestock from non-EU countries are also covered by EU rules. Imports are prohibited from countries where there is a known animal health risk. Imports from approved countries must enter the Community via an approved border inspection post where the consignments are subjected to physical, identity and documentary checks.